Safeguarding-Diversity-Equity & Inclusion

Why Your Input Matters

Private discussions, personal comments, opinions, or social media posts made outside of the club or unrelated to a club event do not in themselves constitute safeguarding incidents. It is important to distinguish between personal expression and behavior that directly impacts the safety or wellbeing of individuals within the club environment. Similarly, when raising concerns related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), it is essential to provide specific, factual examples of what occurred, including who was affected or harmed. General feelings of discomfort or disagreement, while valid, need to be supported by clear, contextual information to ensure any response is fair, proportionate, and grounded in actual impact.

Feeling offended, while a valid emotional response, does not in itself mean that an offence has been committed. Offence is subjective and often shaped by individual perspectives, cultural norms, or personal sensitivities. In contrast, determining whether an actual offence has occurred, particularly in legal, ethical, or organisational contexts requires objective criteria, evidence, and intent. Confusing the two can lead to unjust outcomes, where people are unfairly judged or penalised based solely on another’s emotional reaction rather than any genuine wrongdoing.

A martial arts teacher has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their students during training and any club-related activities. This duty of care includes:

Providing a safe environment: Ensuring the training space is free from hazards, equipment is well-maintained, and appropriate safety measures are in place.
Supervising appropriately: Monitoring students closely, especially beginners or minors, and ensuring exercises and techniques are suitable for the students’ age, size, and ability.
Promoting respectful behavior: Maintaining a culture of respect, discipline, and inclusion to prevent bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
Responding to incidents: Acting promptly and appropriately if an injury occurs or if a safeguarding concern is raised, including following safeguarding policies and reporting procedures.
Maintaining professional boundaries: Upholding appropriate relationships with students and avoiding behavior that could be seen as favoritism, intimidation, or misconduct.

This duty extends beyond physical safety to include emotional wellbeing, ensuring that all students can learn and train in a positive, respectful, and supportive environment.

Reporting Concerns: Safeguarding & DEI

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone. This includes upholding the highest standards in Safeguarding and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) across all classes, activities, and events.

If you have experienced, witnessed, or become aware of any incident that may raise concerns in these areas, we ask that you consider the following when reporting:

Safeguarding Concerns

Please help us understand the nature of the concern by answering the following questions:

Was anyone harmed?
Specifically, did a child, adult, vulnerable person, or person with a protected characteristic experience harm in the class?
What was the incident?
Provide a clear and factual description of what occurred.
When did this happen?
Include the date and time if known.
Was it reported?
If so, please indicate to whom it was reported and when.
What action was taken?
Describe any steps taken in response to the incident, if known.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Concerns

We are committed to ensuring no participant is excluded, marginalised, or treated unfairly. Please consider the following:

Was anyone excluded or made to feel unwelcome?
Specifically, was a child, vulnerable adult, or person with a protected characteristic affected?
What was the incident?
Provide factual details, avoiding speculation.
When did this happen?
Was it reported?
Include details of who reported it and to whom.
What action was taken?
If any, please outline the steps or lack thereof.

Perceived Unfair Environment or Undignified Treatment

We aim to foster fairness and dignity for all. If you believe the environment is or was unfair, or if anyone in class was treated without appropriate respect or dignity, please share:

What specific unfairness have you observed or experienced?
Explain the nature of the environment or behavior that concerns you.
Was someone treated without dignity?
Describe the incident.
When did this happen?
Was it reported? If so, to whom and when?
What action was taken?

Your voice is essential. Whether your concern is recent or historical, raising it allows us to investigate responsibly and uphold our commitment to safety, equity, and inclusion. All reports are treated with respect and, where appropriate, confidentiality.

If you’d like to submit a report, please email safeguarding@uktdc.org.uk.